Emporia State’s dance show to hold open auditions

If you sing, dance and have a passion for the stage lights, then consider auditioning for the spring dance show presented by the Emporia State University theater department.

Auditions will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 for “The Eleven O’Clock Club,” which was created by Lindy Bartruff, ESU dance instructor and choreographer.

“Eleven,” which will be performed April 27, explores the theatrical tradition of the “Eleven O’Clock Number,” the song near the end of the second act of a musical that signals the loose ends of the plot are about to be wrapped up. The phrase comes from the early days of musical theater when curtains went up at 8:30 p.m. and audiences needed to be out shortly after 11 p.m.

Bartruff describes her production as Broadway meets "A Chorus Line" meets Hollywood meets "Glee." “Eleven” tells the story of an eclectic group of performers age 19 to 30 who gather at Picture Lake, a retreat launched in 1927 by seven Hollywood chorus girls. Lauren Pickman, the great-granddaughter of one of the founders, has restored the place and handpicked the newest members of the group.

Some of the characters include:

Michael Dragotto, a tough Brooklynite hoping to realize his new dance craze, “C-linkin’,” described as “chain link and ‘West Side Story’”;

Ryan Rooley, who wishes to tell her story of overcoming an eating disorder and harsh treatments through a pas de deux with her teenaged self to “Wish You Were Here” from the smash Broadway hit “Next to Normal”;

Megan Trerise, a blonde sorority sister who believes her dog has his own agenda — to star as Bruiser in “Legally Blonde”; and

Hannah Siess, a non-dancer who plans to have her own dance reality show, “So You Think You Can’t Dance.”

The show includes three songs. “It Don’t Get Better Than This” from “Urban Cowboy” is for a tenor. “Omigod, You Guys” from “Legally Blonde” is for a second soprano-alto. “Gimme Gimme” from “Thoroughly Modern Millie” has a range from second soprano to first soprano.

Dance styles include ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and styles from the 1920s to ’80s. There also are two production numbers for non-dancers.

Bartruff is looking for committed actors, singers, dancers and non-dancers to audition at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall on the ESU campus. All auditioners must at least 14 years old.

A total cast of 20 is needed for the show, including:

A 14- to 16-year-old female actress-dancer to play Rooley’s teenaged self;

A 25- to 30-year-old charismatic male and female actor-dancer of color;

A 19- to 25-year-old male and female actor-singer-dancer of Asian background;

A 20- to 25-year-old athletic serviceman or actor-mover who can portray “Army,” complete with haircut; and

Two to four 60-year-old or older female actresses-dancers or one or two 60-year-old or older couples to play past members of the club.

Rehearsals are slated from March 12 to 19 then March 26 through April 26 in the evenings.

To audition, plan to arrive at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26 to fill out audition forms. All schedule conflicts must be listed at that time. Headshots and resumes are optional. Photos will be taken at the audition.

Be dressed to move. Selected individuals will sing, and music will be provided.